Tonto Verde Golf Club- Peaks Course
Arizona Golf Course Review - December, 2006
General Information
Tonto Verde (in Rio Verde - northeast of Scottsdale) has solidified its place as one of the Scottsdale
area's top golf destinations, with its addition of its third championship layout - the Vista Verde. The
course is spectacularly beautiful, and is also quite challenging. We rate it right up their with the finest desert golf courses in the state - and this course truly offers desert golf!
Nestled between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River, Tonto Verde Golf Club is the hub of an adult golf community, providing members and non-members alike with a unique Arizona golfing
experience. Two championship courses are on property - the Ranch, designed by Gary Panks and the Peaks, designed by both Gary Panks and David Graham. Amenities on property include an incredibly
beautiful and luxurious 26,000 square foot clubhouse - with a fully stocked pro shop, a first class dining
area with a large outdoor patio featuring spectacular views of Four Peaks, and meeting and recreation rooms. A large swimming pool and recreational pathways are also available to members and guests. A
spacious driving range, short game area with practice bunker, and huge putting green are on property. Looking for the best greens in Arizona? Check out the complimentary ( for members and for those
booking tee times) 18-hole putting course, located in view of the clubhouse from the outdoor verandah.
Arrive early and plan to take advantage of the unique opportunity to play this course, as it is in as fine a
condition as any of the putting surfaces on any course in the state. The layout is beautiful, challenging,
and a fun way to begin or end your day here. This is one of the best possible amenities we can think of - a real treat.
Of equal importance is the surrounding vistas, featuring spectacular mountain views on all sides. Granite Mountain, the Mazatzals, McDowell and Superstition Mountains, and Weaver's Needle all rise against
the blue sky. There are no skyscrapers, no freeways - only the specter of the tranquil desert environment,
on land that sits just across from the Tonto National Forest. Saguaros and ironwood trees that have been placed along the fairways and greens provide an even balance with the generous landing areas
you will encounter on many fairways. Players will find that stations with ice and water are conveniently located throughout both courses. The Pro Shot GPS that is standard on each cart provides accurate
information from tee to green, as well as suggestions on how to play each hole. Additionally, pin placement sheets dividing the greens into 3 sections are posted.
PEAKS COURSE
The Peaks Course at Tonto Verde features narrow fairways that are sloped toward the surrounding desert, featuring spectacular views of the nearby mountains. The original design at Tonto Verde, which
is nestled between the Verde River and McDowell Mountain range, plays to a par 72 along 6744 yards
of gently rolling terrain. Bunkering is strategic but not overstated, with 43 sand traps situated greenside or near the landing zones on fairways, and 3 holes also have water hazards in play.
There are frequent carries over landscaped desert areas off the tee - especially on the back side, but most are very reasonable in length and there is generally ample room off the tee. The fairways are
generally forgiving, but the surrounding desert is always looming. Some holes look very tight from the tee
boxes, but there is usually more room than appears. Five sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring in distances and slope 6737 yards/133 slope, 6342 yards/126 slope, 5952 yards/122 slope
fro men and 128 for women, 5379 yards/119 slope and 4791 yards with a slope of 106 for ladies hitting from the gold tees.
The green complexes are very accessible, and generally provide ample room for up and down opportunities. A variety of sizes and shapes of putting surfaces are displayed along the layout - some
inviting the bump and run while others call for high lobbing pitches to approach the hole. Golfers should have the pleasure of utilizing most of the clubs (and shots) in their bag during a round here.
Cart paths and fairways feature the Kirby marking system, with yardages posted every 25 yards from 200 to 75 yards in. Pin placement cards are posted in the carts, providing info on the days hole
locations. Tonto Verde is a great place to spend the day... You will find three distinctive designs,
impressive facilities and service, as well as outstanding golf course conditioning. A round or two here make the trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale seem like a short jaunt - highly recommended! For more
information on the property, visit our page for the course, with direct link to the Tonto Verde website by clicking here.
Click here to visit the Two Guys Who Golf detailed listing page with a link (if available) to this course's website.
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